Looking for a permanent (or temporary) home

If you ever wanted to volunteer or foster at an area animal shelter, this gives you a little inside peek on what it's all about.

While I don't have all the details as to the 'hows' and 'whys' of the situation, there is one thing that stands out, the number 31.

Sometime during the early morning hours last Spring, 31 kittens were dropped off at the front door of the Lexington Humane Society. I will not speculate or assume to know why so many kittens were amassed for one large "donation" but it happened and the humane society needs help. What they are looking for is people willing to give up one room of a house or apartment for a few weeks. You may be hesitant about bringing in a pet or already have one or many at home.

I promise you, it's not much to ask and in fact, it's so rewarding. When kittens are 3-8 weeks old, they really don't take up much space. Most of their time will be spent eating, sleeping, playing (pretty much like any other cat but, obviously, on a much smaller...especially in the litter box). The thing about fostering is that it's temporary. You are not responsible for anything past the 8 week mark. It's about providing an opportunity for these little guys and gals to get an easier start at life until they are old enough (and heavy enough) to get spayed and neutered. As mentioned in my previous blog, it's always tough to take them back for their shots but you know there is a caring, loving family ready to provide a much bigger place in their house and heart for them.

These kittens didn't choose to show up that Spring morning, but we can choose to help them. All you need is a little space and time.

BTW, D'Arcy and I decided to keep one of the kittens. She was the runt in the litter and looked like a little Ewok. Since I couldn’t stand them, we decided to call her Leia Tiberius (to keep the science fiction theme going). It has since been a year and it’s funny to watch her rule the palace (with our resident 12-year-old cats Maynard and Harry assuming their roles as her humble subjects). She’s still tiny (about 6 pounds) but full of life and predatory instincts. We’ll play the ninja cat game (like this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzzjgBAaWZw). It’s funny because she’s about ½ the size her siblings but will take them down like a cheetah takes down a wildebeest.

For now, the LHS is always looking for volunteers and sometimes, for foster parents. It really is a wonderful time and, at the end, it's so rewarding.

Updated: 03/02/2015
- People who live near flood-prone creeks and streams will be keeping a close eye on the water on Tuesday. Folks who live near Stoner Creek in Bourbon County tell us they're already taking precautions.

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